The aim of the two-day workshop is to share with all the MAs the suggested competitions calendar and receive feedback, to ensure a coherent combined effort for an optimised timetable.

The workshop is also to keep the MAs up-to-date with the latest developments in AFC competitions and objectives in the foreseeable future.

The AFC Competitions Director Shin Mangil, in his opening remarks, said: “Our journey to ensure Asian teams and players succeed on the world stage depends on our ability to work closely together.

“It is, therefore, essential for us to forge greater synergies in our competitions calendars. We must create an environment where our players can perform at their optimum, which ultimately impacts the quality of our competitions.

“As we strive toward achieving shared outcomes, I am confident we will forge closer bonds of friendship and partnership.”

Shin then gave a brief overview on the AFC structure and its various competitions division within the department, elaborating on their roles and responsibilities.

He also spoke on the commercial operation, stadium security & safety, issues and challenges faced by the AFC Competitions, as well as the different workshops and courses organised for the betterment of the MAs.

AFC Head of National Competitions Avazbek Berdikulov, AFC Manager of Club Competitions Pavel Luzanov and AFC Head of Futsal & Beach Soccer Competitions Brian Johnson continued by sharing the proposed AFC Competitions calendars of 2019 to 2022 from their respective divisions.

They will continue to share on various competition matters on Friday.

The AFC Competitions department will continue to discuss with numerous stakeholders before submitting the finalised calendars to the AFC Competitions Committee for approval.